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Noohlmahl Mask
Noohlmahl Mask

Noohlmahl Mask

Date1830-1850
DimensionsOverall: 13 1/4 × 9 × 8 1/4 in. (33.7 × 22.9 × 21 cm)
Object numberT0161
Credit LineLoan from the Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw Charitable Trust
Photograph by John Bigelow Taylor, NYC
Label TextThe Noohlmahl enforces protocol and tradition at ceremonies. He acts wildly if an improper name is used, or a dancer makes a wrong turn. It is thought that lion head carvings on British and American ships inspired the mask’s feline-like eyebrows, nose, and whiskers.
Exhibition History"The 45th Annual Winter Antique Show," New York, NY, January 12, 1999 – January 25, 1999.

"Art Des Indiens D'Amerique Du Nord Dans La Collection D'Eugene Thaw," Mona Bismarck Foundation, Paris, France, Somogy Editions D'Art, January 21, 2000 - March 18, 2000.
ProvenancePresented to unknown collection by Miss Cowie, England or Scotland, 1863; Earl of Derby, England; Mathias Komor, New York City; private collection, Canada; Sotheby's New York City, 1981; Judith Nash, New York City
BibliographySotheby's. Sale 4708. October 23, 1981, lot 385, Private Collection, Canada.

Vincent, Gilbert T. "The Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection of American Indian Art." The Magazine Antiques. Vol CXLVIII, no. 1, (July 1995): Pp.62-3, pl.I.

Vincent, Gilbert T. Masterpieces of Americaan Indian Art. New York: Harry Abrams, 1995, p.71.

Penney, David W. Arts des Indiens d'Amerique du Nord. Paris: Terrail, 1998, pp. 190, 192.

Vincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.322, 323.

Perriot, Francoise, and Slim Batteux, trans. Arts des Indiens d'Amerique du Nord: Dans la Collection d'Eugene et Clare Thaw. Paris, somogy edition d'Art, 1999, p. 116, fig. 91.

Fognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 339.
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5798 STATE HIGHWAY 80
COOPERSTOWN NY, 13326
607-547-1400

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